Obituary: Bachtold

Smith Joseph Bachtold walked into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm, Friday, August 1st, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Fairbury with Pastor Daryl Evans officiating. Burial will follow in Pike Twp. Cemetery, rural Chenoa. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be prior to the funeral service from 11:00 am to 1:00pm, also at the church in Fairbury. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the family of Smith J. Bachtold.

Smith was born June 27, 1997 in Santa Ana, CA; a son to Joe and Cathy (Uphoff) Bachtold. He is survived by his parents, four sisters, Joelle (Nick) Jones of Fairbury; Miah (Micah) Uren of Morton; Emma and Abbey Bachtold both of Fairbury; maternal grandfather, John Uphoff of Gridley; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins on both the Bachtold and Uphoff sides of his family.

His paternal grandparents, Roger and Shirlene Bachtold and maternal grandmother, Liz Uphoff preceded him in death.

Smith had some challenges over his young adult life but was seeing some of his dreams come true.

He worked at Fairbury Fastener, Fairbury with his close friend, Tanner Ifft and they were a blessing to him and he grew into man while working there.

He loved helping his best friends, Kolby and Gabby Kafer with anything and was always willing to lend a hand at home, work, the chamber of commerce. He was a volunteer firefighter in Fairbury which he loved.

He loved talking politics, loved his Jeep and loved playing golf. He was passionately pro-life and was proud of his love for America.

He is loved by many in this small community. He loved his family especially his nephews and nieces.  He was never too busy for his sisters!! He knew no stranger and could talk to anyone.

Smith asked Jesus to be his personal Lord and Savior last year and we are confident we will see him in Heaven one day. If you would like the same confidence of a future in Heaven that we have for ourselves and Smith, please reach out to us, we would love to tell you about Jesus.

The Lord is near the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalms 34:18.